Providers of sheet metal processing machines and systems are under pressure: Investment decisions have effects for many years, while batch sizes are decreasing and variety as well as efficiency are gaining importance. Beckhoff meets these demands with its open, PC-based control platform, where PLC, motion, CNC, image processing, measurement technology, and AI converge. This reduces interfaces, effort, and costs. Function extensions become a software rather than a hardware issue.
Cabinet-free automation
A central exhibit is the MX system, the plug-in system solution for cabinet-free automation. Compact, IP67-rated functional modules take over all tasks of the classic control cabinet. The result: a significantly reduced machine footprint, less wiring effort, and a plug-and-play principle that not only accelerates planning significantly but also allows assembly and service by non-specialized personnel. The UL/CSA and IEC certifications make the system globally usable without modifications.
With the Diagnostics App, smartphones and tablets become diagnostic tools for service operations. The web-based MX System Designer offers great comfort in configuration and design.
Motion control and CNC
For presses, bending presses, punching, and forming machines, Beckhoff presents the next generation of motion control with TwinCAT MC3, featuring multicore and multitasking support: Axes can be distributed as needed across multiple CPU cores. Likewise, axes with different cycle times can be operated on a single core. A fixed limitation on the number of programmable axes is eliminated. With MC3 Fluid Power, hydraulics are fully integrated into TwinCAT, with manufacturer-independent control of position, speed, and pressure/force for valve-controlled, pump-controlled, and speed-variable drives, hydraulically optimized position control loops, automated valve characteristic curve acquisition, and broad support for position sensors. Electric and hydraulic axes are programmed using the same PLCopen-compliant function blocks, real and simulated axes can be mixed, significantly reducing commissioning time.
Beckhoff addresses cutting, laser, and erosion machines with TwinCAT 3 CNC: up to 32 simultaneously interpolating motion axes per channel, optionally up to 128 axes and 32 channels, look-ahead function, programming according to DIN 66025 with high-level language extension and access via function blocks according to IEC 61131-3. New options for integrating customer-specific TcCom modules, programming two independent paths within a CNC channel, or providing predictive contour and dynamics data for external processes expand the application scope.
Vision and AI
Quality assurance in sync with the machine is demonstrated by Beckhoff with the comprehensive vision portfolio of cameras, optics, lighting, complete units, and the software TwinCAT Vision. Through EtherCAT P and distributed clocks, triggers for image acquisition and exposure are executed precisely synchronized from the control – this shortens reaction times, increases the cycle rate, and reduces hardware, wiring, and space. Additionally, TwinCAT 3 Machine Learning can execute neural networks directly in the control. With the Machine Learning Creator, models can be trained without AI prior knowledge via a no-code interface. Model updates are possible during operation – without machine stoppage and without recompiling. Typical application areas include surface and geometry inspection, adaptive feed control based on current profiles, and predictive maintenance through vibration and temperature signals.
Beckhoff at EuroBLECH 2026, Hall 27, Stand D89
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